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Bid to Expand “Residence” near Capitol Building Ensnarls ANC Zoning Committee

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday, night, ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee found itself entangled in a contentious dispute over a request to set aside zoning regulations to allow a new third story on the rear of a townhouse which is the office of a non-profit business.  The building, at 160 North Carolina Avenue, SE, sits on a residential block a stone’s throw from the US Capitol Building.  Nearby neighbors, who live on the historic residential block, are vehemently opposed to the addition.

The facts of the matter are as follows:

1. Aaron Presnall has  applied to set aside zoning regulations for the new construction on an existing one family dwelling. The building is the office of The Jefferson Institute, an international nonprofit, which holds the deed to the property.  Presnall and his wife are the only employees, and claim the property as their primary residence – though they actually have lived in live in Chevy Chase, where their children attend school, since 2012.
2. The criteria for setting aside regulations include the requirement that the applicant demonstrate that existing regulations provide an “exceptional and undue hardship upon the owner of the property.” BZA may grant a request for relief, only if “the relief can be granted without substantial detriment to the public good…”
3. According to Presnall’s architect, if the request to relax the regulations is denied, there are other options to build by-right, but those ideas, he said, had not been “fleshed out.”

Neither Presnall nor his architect were prepared to discuss in detail the basis for the claim of “undue hardship.” Presnall’s stated reason for expansion of the residence is to accommodate his growing family – disregarding that they apparently do not live there now, and Presnall did not tell the Committee he intended to move them there.

Neighbor Lawrence Johnston, spoke in opposition to the application, on behalf of himself and the dozen or so neighbors in attendance.  Johnston pointed to numerous discrepancies in the application, emphasizing that it was the belief of the neighbors that the family had never lived there, and that it was actually and primarily the business office of The Jefferson Institute – as evidenced by the plaque on the front of the building.  He also pointed to the precedent setting nature of the request, claiming that approval of the requested variances would create an unacceptable precedent in a historic district.

Finally, Johnston asserted that the Presnall had not met the statutory test for a variance, citing the opinion of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society.  A report of the CHRS Zoning Committee which reflects the opinion of the CHRS states:  “The plan is to raise the existing rear sloping roof to 35 feet so it is not visible from the street.  The lot is large and contains 2425 square feet.  The house and garage already occupy 80% of the lot (1940 square feet).  The house currently has 4 bedrooms and one full bath.  When completed, there will be two full baths and three bedrooms.  The applicant is a family of two adults and two children.  The committee believed that the house was very large and that the applicant did not meet the test for a variance.  Refinishing the basement can provide for any amenities that applicant may want.”

The debate on the issue was heated. The Planning and Zoning Committee chair and former chair, Commissioners Nick Burger and Kirsten Oldenburg, supported approving the request for a variance.  Other commissioners on the committee including Chander Jarayman , Denice Krepp, Daniel Chao, and Diane Hoskins all expressed opposition to the application.

Burger moved to recommend that the full ANC support the request and to add language to a letter to BZA to express concern about the legitimacy of the occupancy permit for operating a business in the house (which is contingent on the building being the primary residence of the owner).  Burger told the committee that he was sympathetic to the neighbors’ concerns but, “My view is that this is a zoning case, and not a particularly exceptional one.  We have approved other requests that have had a lot more impact…I believe the applicant has passed the zoning test requirement.”  Oldenburg justified her support, saying, “I don’t want to go down the road that if we don’t live there you can’t change it.”  Resident member and former ANC6B Chair Ken Jarboe warned that the ANC had to consider the case “within the context of the regulations…we can’t be arbitrary and throw the regulations out the window.”  He said the other issues raised beyond interpreting the zoning regulations were irrelevant.

These remarks didn’t sit well with their fellow commissioners.  Jayaraman said the committee had to look at the entirety of the case, saying he did not think the applicant had met the requirements for relief.  He was joined by Krepp who said it would be a “disservice to our constituents if we do not take a broader view.”  Chao also disagreed with the notion “that we have to operate within the box.”

Commissioner Diane Hoskins said she thought the role of the ANC Burger was suggesting “is too narrow – it handcuffs us and makes the role of the ANC less relevant.”  Hoskins moved to recommend that the full ANC oppose the application pending receipt of additional information regarding the need for a variance.

The Hoskins amendment to the Burger motion was agreed to 7 – 4 – 1, with Commissioners Hoskins, Krepp, and Jayaraman, Chao, and Ridge supporting the amendment, and Commissioners Burger and Oldenburg opposed.  Commissioner Samolyk – in whose single member district the property resides – abstained.  (The other five votes in the total were cast by resident members.)  The matter now goes to the full ANC for consideration at its next meeting where only Commissioners may vote.

Capitol Hill corner spoke with Gary Peterson, chair of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s Zoning Committee regarding the Society’s opposition to the request for a variance.  Peterson is a former Department of Justice attorney specializing in eminent domain, and is an expert on DC zoning regulations. The CHRS generally takes a harder line about new construction in the Historic District.

Peterson said, “The problem is that the applicant has not shown the hardship. The house has a huge basement which the applicant actually uses as a bedroom.  It’s an immense house.  You can’t get increased space just because you want it.  It’s a four-bedroom house for two adults and two children, where’s the hardship?  What is the hardship preventing them from being able to use this house?”

ANC6B will meet on Tuesday, March 8, at 7:00pm in Hill Center.

For the BZA Rules of Practice and Procedure go here:   http://dcoz.dc.gov/bza/rules.shtm

 

The Week Ahead….

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday, March 1

1. ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee meets at 7:00pm at St. Coletta of Greater Washington, 1901 Independence Avenue, SE. (The meeting may continue on Monday, March 7, 2016, if sufficient time is not available on March 1)

Among items on the agenda:

Request for support for Watkins Elementary School Modernization Project.

328 D Street, SE, rear addition/concept.

New Jersey Avenue, SE, new construction (National Democratic Club).

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Application of 1302 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, LLC, for variances to permit a third floor addition to an existing two-story, mixed-use building at 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

160 North Carolina Avenue, SE. Application for variances to permit the construction of a new third-story addition to an existing one-family dwelling.

Hill East Design Review: Larry Clark, Donatelli Development.

1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, letter to ZC on applicant’s supplemental filings of February 11 and February 25, 2016.

Watkins Alley, 1309-1323 E Street, SE and 516 13th Street, SE.  Sean Ruppert, Opal LLC.  Consolidated PUD & Related Map Amendment.

2. ANC6C Committee on Parks and Events meets at 7:00pm at Kaiser Permanente Capitol Hill Medical Center, 700 Second Street, NE.

Among items on the agenda:

Committee updates concerning new and pending issues (e.g., neighborhood use of Stuart Hobson Middle School field; Reservation 84 improvements; NoMa parks issues).

KIPP DC College Preparatory campus (possible voting item) – Presentation concerning the development of outdoor athletic facilities on the campus of the KIPP DC College Preparatory, 1405 Brentwood Parkway NE, and community access.

Capitol Hill Montessori PTSO movie night (voting item) – Presentation concerning CHM PTSO’s request for ANC6C support for a family movie night on the school’s Logan campus at 2nd and G Streets, NE, on April 30, 2016.

Wednesday, March 2

1. ANC6B Transportation Committee meets at 7:00pm at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Among items on the agenda:

DDOT Traffic Calming Study Results: 12th & G Streets, SE,

Letter to DDOT on Curbs Needing Repairs after the Blizzard of 2013,

Implementation of DDOT’s 17th & 19th Streets, SE, Pedestrian Safety Study [tentative],

2. ANC6C Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee meets at 7:00pm at Kaiser Permanente Capitol Hill Medical Center, 700 Second Street, NE.

Among items on the agenda:

649 Constitution Avenue, NE.  Application for concept approval for a new deck atop an existing garage.

815 5th Street, NE.  (BZA 19238) – Application for a special exception to allow converting an existing two-story flat into a three-unit apartment house at 815 5th Street, NE.

631 Lexington Place, NE.  Revised application of Redux Properties LLC for concept approval for new basement entrance at front of 631 Lexington Place, NE.

518 6th Street, NE.  Application of Redux Properties LLC, for concept approval to remove an existing one-story rear addition and construct a new two-story rear addition.

Thursday, March 3

1. ANC6B Alcohol Beverage Control Committee meets at 7:00pm at Hill Center.

Among items on the agenda:

Discussion of ANC 6B Restaurant License Renewals Process.

Matchbox, 521 8th Street, SE. Substantial change in liquor license owing to expansion of restaurant by 1,600 square feet resulting in an additional 45 interior dining seats, 14 bar/counter seats, and six exterior patio seats.

2. ANC6C Transportation and Public Space Committee meets at 7:00pm at Kaiser Permanente Capitol Hill Medical Center, 700 Second Street, NE.

Agenda not available at press time.

3. Police Service Area (PSA) 107 meets at 7:00pm in Southeast Library, 403 7th Street, SE.

Citizens are invited to provide input to police on illegal activity in their neighborhoods

4. Friends of Southeast Library (FOSEL) meets at 5:30pm in Southeast Library, lower level.

Sunday, March 6

Call for actors/aspiring actors.  St. Mark’s Players’ holds auditions for 12 Angry Jurors.

St. Mark’s Episcopal on the corner of A & 3rd SE. We’d like to get word out to actors and aspiring actors in the area.

The auditions will be March 14 and 15, 6:30 PM-10 PM at St. Marks Episcopal Church, Baxter Hall, A & 3^rd Street, SE.

Callbacks will be held by invitation only on Wednesday, March 16 at 6:30. Show dates are May 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21. Casting will not be gender restricted; men and women are invited to audition.  Interested actors should prepare a 1 minute, contemporary monologue. Headshots/resumes encouraged but not required.  Auditions will be open, no reservation or appointment needed.

For additional information, contact Marshall Bradshaw at DavidMarshallBradshaw@gmail.com

 

First Images of the Frager’s Site Development – Hardware Store, Condos, and Retail

by Larry Janezich

Adam Peters, Executive VP of Development for Perseus Realty told more than 50 Capitol Hill Residents tonight, that Perseus would develop the burned out Frager’s site, constructing a four story (plus a penthouse)  mixed use retail/residential project.  The project will include 30 to 40 high-end one, two, and three bedroom condo units, weighted heavily to the larger units intended to accommodate families.  The plan anticipates that Frager’s Hardware will lease 8,500 square feet of retail space, plus some outside space for the gardening facility.  There will be an additional 7,600 square feet of first floor retail which Peter’s says will be filled by community-friendly retail, perhaps a “restaurant or two.”  The plan for 35 below grade parking spaces will be double what city regulations require, i.e., one space for every two units.  The developer will stay at or below the 50 foot height permitted by current zoning.

Peters stressed that Perseus is committed to using “fine materials and well done details” to make the building consistent with the historic character of the neighborhood.  The original façade will be maintained, and the first activity neighbors will see at the site is the bracing of the original walls.  The new construction on the site will employ brick, glass, metal and stone.

Since it is being build “by right” under existing height and density regulations the project will not be subject to the public unit development (PUD) process wherein public amenities are exchanged for increased height and density.  Since it lies in the Capitol Hill Historic District, the new structure will need HPRB approval, which will bring it before ANC6B.

Inclusionary Zoning regulations require a developer of a project this size to set aside 8 to 10 percent of the residential units for affordable housing.  That would mean pricing those units for households making 50 to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

Perseus purchased the site last October.  Washington Business reported then the developer had paid $5.7 million for the site.  Construction could start in the spring of 2017, and will take two years, delivering the project in the spring of 2019.

Frager’s was destroyed by fire in June of 2013, as reported and photographed by CHC:  http://bit.ly/1QGbdTB and here: http://bit.ly/1R39h1D.  Despite hopes that they could rebuild within a year, in October of 2014, Frager’s owner John Weintraub told ANC6B that redeveloping Frager’s was “out of his comfort zone.”  He had said earlier, that the fire damaged the site so severely that, “even with insurance proceeds, we could not afford to rebuild the site alone,” leading him to seek other means to rebuild the store by partnering with a developer or selling the site.  A partnership with Roadside Development for redeveloping this site fell through in 2014 after parties failed to reach an agreement on the condition of the site before Roadside purchased the property.

Perseus has developed numerous mixed use projects in DC, VA, and MD.  Among them:  the Greyhound Bus Terminal mixed use project in NOMA and a hotel in the Ballpark District at 1^st and N Street, SE.  Perseus Realty was founded in 2004 by Robert L. Cohen, who remains the President and CEO.  Cohen has been an active participant in Washington area real estate since 1971.  For more information, go here:  http://www.perseusrealty.com/

 

The Week Ahead…Plans for the Rebuilding of Frager’s Hardware – Thursday

by Larry Janezich

Monday, February 22

ANC6A Community Outreach Committee meets at 7:00pm at Maury ES (multi-purpose room), 1250 Constitution Avenue, NE, (enter from 13th Street NE).

Tuesday, February 23

ANC6B Executive Committee meets at 7:00pm in Hill Center to set the agenda for the full ANC6B meeting on March 8.

Wednesday, February 24

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) meets at 7:00pm in North Hall, Eastern Market.

Among items on the agenda:

Update on Hine construction plans

Status of leases

Snow storm operations

Market Manager’s report

Thursday, February 24

Community meeting to hear re-development plans for the Frager’s site, which will include  the rebuilding of Frager’s hardware stone and family oriented residential units.  The meeting will be hosted by Perseus Realty, a family owned development company which purchased the site last fall.  7:00pm, Hill Center.

7-Eleven Gets an Earful from Unhappy Hill Easters on Proposed 15^th Street, SE Location

by Larry Janezich

Last night, at a community meeting organized by ANC6B Commissioners Denise Krepp and Chander Jayaraman, eight 7-Eleven executives listened as some 35 neighbors expressed their concerns about the proposed 24 hour 7-Eleven on 15^th Street, between Massachusetts and Independence Avenues.  (For map and related story see here:  http://bit.ly/1IWbKxj)

Residents sought assurances that the proposed 7-Eleven would not resemble the 7-Eleven on Barracks Row, with its violence, panhandling, loitering, drug deals, and flash robberies.  Krepp said, “We … are asking you to take the necessary steps to assure that were not going to live with what is happening on Barracks Row.”

Though 7-11 is moving into the 15^th street location by right, individual residents nevertheless rose to state their opposition to the proposed location.  They pointed to the area’s history of criminal activity, which has improved over the years with gentrification, and they fear backsliding when the outlet opens.  A resident said that having a store open 24-7 “means putting us at risk” since the store “will attract foot traffic moving north from the Potomac Avenue Metro stop” as well as customers and clients from drug treatment clinics at DC General and clients from two nearby mental health clinics.  Another said, “You’re going to bring people in. We’re already scared at night. Crime is increasing. There is a potential assault issue in the neighborhood. What if it’s my daughter, what if it’s my son, what if it’s me?”  In addition, concerns were expressed about traffic, parking, and littering.  Dog owners cited example after example of having to protect their animals from discarded chicken bones in parks all over the Hill from 7-Eleven’s bestselling chicken wings.  There was strong pressure from the community for 7-Eleven to hire a security guard for the location.

In response to community concerns, the 7-Eleven reps said that the proposed 7-Eleven will not sell beer or wine, and cited the company’s proactive outreach to MPD for assistance on controlling panhandling and said they would install no loitering signs. (DC has no law prohibiting loitering, a result of the repeal of the “move along” laws of the 60s, which were deemed unconstitutional.)  They will provide three surveillance cameras for the exterior of the building and ample lighting.  7-Eleven further expressed a willingness to consider installing planters to establish a boundary in front of the store.  These promises were tempered by the executives’ apparent acceptance of the conditions at the 7-Eleven on Barracks Row, despite their assurances that they make weekly rounds to check on all stores.

Representatives said that security guards are not an effective tool to deal with flash robberies because even MPD “throws up their hands and say they don’t know how to deal with them.”  They said regarding hold ups that they believe their nationally known Loss Prevention and Safety Program – developed after talking to professional criminals – is more effective than hiring security guards.

Another bone of contention at the meeting was the proposed 24-hour operation of the new store.  7-Eleven justified the hours, not for the money that is made overnight, but as a branding technique whereby customers are always certain that a store will always be open.  Reps noted that it is an essential part of their business model, and further, without a 24 operation, the building will be dark and vulnerable to burglary. Executives mentioned their willingness to participate in community clean-ups and to consider adopting a park.  They also mentioned that, to date, they have not located a franchisee for the new store.  In the event that the store opens without a franchisee it is run by the corporation.

ANC Commissioner Jayaraman cited the 7-Eleven’s on Barracks Row and at 8^th and Maryland Avenue, and said he was “pretty sure” that the measures that 7-Eleven claims to be taking were not working at those stores, and urged the representatives to look at those locations.  Jayaraman urged 7-Eleven not to depend on the assurances from MPD to assuage community concerns. He said with a 300 to 400 officer shortage, MPD was never going to devote significant resources to the store.

A representative told the residents, “Our take away is that we will take all these examples and figure out what we have to do to do better.  We can assure that we will do everything to make this store a beacon in the night, not a problem in the night.”  The reps discounted the value of a security guard, saying, “But a security guard is not the answer. Trust our judgment – there is a better way. We’ve got hard work to do.  I promise you that’s what we will do.”

That pledge was received with some skepticism.  One resident pointed out that the company was assuring that it could do at that the proposed location what it has failed to do at a much more controlled location on Barracks Row – which is nearly across the street from a fire station.  She cited the panhandling, the presence of the homeless, and the “filthy sidewalk” and trash which litters the area (including the once attractive side garden) around the store.  “Why haven’t you fixed it?” she said.   The representative in charge of the store assured that he will work with the franchisee going forward.

Krepp summed up, citing the main concerns of the community:  loitering, pan handling, security, loading hours, lighting, signage, hours – and chicken bones.  She warned that the representatives, “You can’t anticipate what’s going to happen” when schools let out in the afternoon and thousands of students pour into the community.  “You need to be ready,” she said.

Furniture Designer/Builder Sets Up Shop Near Eastern Market

by Larry Janezich

“septcarrés septième rue” (Seven Squares Seventh Street) has opened up at 323 7^th Street, a few doors down from Eastern Market, in the former location of Monkey’s Uncle.  CHC first reported on the proposed brainchild of restaurateur Ari Gejdenson in August of 2014, here:  http://bit.ly/1UaYSX4

The company is whimsically named “septcarrés” and the Seventh Street showroom represents a step forward in a bid to become an even more significant player in the city’s design culture.

Criston Mize, the creative director of the custom furniture design and construction outlet, says on the firm’s website that their goal is to connect creativity with the construction process – not just furniture, and commercial interiors but in residential construction as well.  He emphasized to CHC that septcarrés is a nine member team of designers, craftsmen, and artists based in the company’s workshop in Deanwood.

The firm has worked on many of Capitol Hill’s (and DC’s) hottest new food and drink venues, handling the complete design and interior builds on some of them.  Their project list includes: Maketto, Dolcezza – City Center, Bad Saint, Honeycomb Grocer – Union Market, Denson Liquor Bar, Sotto, Room 11 – Coffee Shop, Petworth Citizen, Crane & Turtle, Toki Underground, Harold Black, and Ghibellina.  Several of the outlets are owned by Acqua al Due owner Gejdenson.

septcarrés is currently building an addition to a Capitol Hill townhome, but has not been authorized to talk about location or other details.

The hours for the showroom “vary” Monday – Friday but are a firm 10:00am until 6:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.

More information can be found here:  www.septcarres.com

What’s Brewing Next to Roses’ Luxury? “Pineapple and Pearls” Photo Essay

by Larry Janezich

The first phase of the Aaron Silverman’s new dining venue next to his signature Barracks Row restaurant Roses’ Luxury, has been open for a week.  The opening gambit for “Pineapple and Pearls” is a carryout coffee bar and pastry shop that will continue operation after the site graduates to a full service fine dining restaurant in mid-April.  A half hours spent in the shop on Thursday morning saw a steady stream of customers, signaling community approval.

Why “Pineapple and Pearls?”  A coffee bar representative told CHC that the fruit is a traditional 20^th century symbol of hospitality dating from the time New England ship captains placed a pineapple outside their homes to indicate a safe return from the Caribbean and an invitation to friends to visit.  The “Pearl” part adds a fillip of elegance to the name.

The shop is strictly carryout for now – later in the spring, an unenclosed sidewalk café will provide tables and customer seating

The coffee bar is open Tuesday through Friday, 8:00am until 2:00pm, and Saturday, 8:00am until 4:00pm.  Closed Sunday and Monday.

The Week Ahead…

by Larry Janezich

Monday, February 15

Presidents Day.  City government closed.  No trash pickup.

Tuesday, February 16

1. ANC6A Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee meets at 7:00pm at Sherwood Recreation Center, 10^th and G Streets, NE. Cancelled

1. Capitol Hill Restoration Society Board of Directors meets at 6:30pm, Capitol Hill Townhomes, 750 6th Street, SE, Second Floor.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

1. ANC6A Economic Development Committee meets at 7:00pm, Sherwood Recreation Center, 10th and G Streets, NE.

Among items of the Agenda:

1120 Park Street, NE.  Minor Modification for a special exception to allow a detached garage addition serving a one-family dwelling.

2. PSA 106 meets at 7:00pm in the Community Room, 400 M Street, SE.
3. PSA 105 meets at 7:00pm, Southwest Public Library, 900 Wesley Place, SW (corner of Wesley Place and K St. SW)

Thursday, February 18

1. PSA 108, featuring MPD Acting Captain Damion Taylor, meets at 7:00pm, at Liberty Baptist Church, 527 Kentucky Avenue, SE.

The Week Ahead….

by Larry Janezich

Monday, February 8

1. ANC6D meets at 7:00pm at 1100 4th Street, SW, 2nd Floor.

Agenda not available at press time.

Tuesday, February 9

1. ANC6B meets at 7:00pm in Hill Center.

Among items on the agenda:

Election of Committee Chairs.

Establishment of Task Forces and Election of Chairs

Presentation:  Sarah Fashbaugh, Community Resource Advisor, Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration.

Matchbox, 521 8th Street SE, substantial change due to expansion of 1,600 square feet (formerly Las Placitas) resulting in an additional 45 interior dining seats, 14 bar/counter seats, and six exterior patio seats.

Rear 1524 Independence Avenue SE: Parking for Zip Cars.

Letter to DDOT on Southeast Boulevard Feasibility Draft Report.

2. PSA 104 meets at 7:00pm at Stuart Hobson Middle School, 410 E Street, NE.

Wednesday, February 10

1. ANC6C meets at 7:00pm, Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE.

Agenda not available at press time.

Thursday, February 11

1. ANC6A meets at 7:00pm at Miner School, 601 15^th Street, NE.

Among items on the agenda:

Community Presentations:

Deputy Mayor Courtney Snowden

MPD First District Commander Robert Contee

Letter of support to BZA for the technical modifications that the developer is submitting for 1300 H Street, NE.

Letter of support to BZA for a special exception to allow construction of a two-story rear addition to an existing one-family dwelling at 230 12th Place, NE.

Letter of support to BZA for a special exception to allow a third-story addition to an existing one-family dwelling at 619 Elliott Street, NE.

2. CHRS Zoning Committee meets at 7:30pm at 420 10th Street, SE.

Saturday, February 13

1. Valentine’s Concert & Sparkling Wine Tasting to benefit Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church. 6:30pm at Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church.  Concert sung by CHPC Choir & friends.  Tickets available at http://www.capitolhillpreschurch.org/

$15 concert only – $30 concert and tasting – $55 for 2 concert and tasting tickets – $100 4 tickets for concert and tasting (childcare included in ticket price).

2. Friends of Southeast Library holds a book sale from 10:00am – 3:00pm at Southeast Library. Volunteers to help set up at 1:00pm on Friday, and take down at 3:00pm on Saturday, are most welcome.

New Indie Bookshop Opening Near Eastern Market

by Larry Janezich

Capitol resident Laurie Gillman will open a new indie bookshop at 645 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, this spring. The shop is planning a grand opening celebration the weekend of April 30 which will continue through Sunday, May 1, coinciding with this year’s Literary Hill Bookfest at Eastern Market.  A soft opening is planned for the first few weeks of April.  The announcement is in keeping with the quiet revival of independent book sellers in an era which has seen the closing of one chain bookstore outlet after another.  Gillman says, of the 3,200 square foot space, “It will be great to have East City Bookshop, Labyrinth, and Capitol Hill Frame & Photo together as a bright spot of retail in the neighborhood.”

According to the shop’s website, East City Bookshop will cater to book lovers of all ages.  The shop will compete with on-line booksellers by focusing on community engagement – providing “top-notch” customer service, a venue for author events, and space for hosting book clubs in in the shop’s lounge space.  In addition, East City Bookshop will feature letterpress cards, a curated selection of prints, and locally made items.  Gillman says, “We will have online sales and they are pretty speedy.  We will never be able to compete with Amazon on price, but indie bookstores offer so many other things like real people and customer service – we will focus on those…. I’m learning that there are plenty of people who prefer to pay a few more dollars and support their neighborhood businesses.”

Asked what brought her to the decision to open a bookstore on Capitol Hill, Gillman says, “About a year ago, I realized that I was annoyed by the fact that I had to leave the neighborhood to go to a bookstore….Then I became a little obsessed by the idea of an indie bookstore in my neighborhood.  I couldn’t let it go….”  She chose the name East City Bookshop, because she wants to serve the eastern side of the city, where there are no general interest bookstores.  The new store recalls Trovers Books, the much-loved 50 year community institution at 221 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, which closed in August, 2009.

The new outlet will be the third bookseller on Capitol Hill, joining Capitol Hill Books, a used book store on at 657 C Street, SE, and Riverby Books, at 417 East Capitol.  The Fairy Godmother, at 319 7th Street, SE, is a children’s bookstore that has served Capitol Hill for some 30 years.  East City Books sees room for a customer base not served by any of these outlets.

For more on East City Bookshop, see the website here: http://www.eastcitybookshop.com/